Mechanical Keyboard Sound Isn't That Simple
Figure 1: I couldn't think of a more literal way to represent this article if I tried... Looking back just a few years ago, there’s no doubt that the huge influx of people that joined the hobby at the peak of the COVID pandemic were drawn to keyboards by way of YouTube, TikTok, and other audio-visual content platforms. Even as the output from these content creators has waned in recent months, their collective impact and legacy on the keyboard hobby is rather firmly etched in the history books. As a result of all of their sound tests, build logs, and opinion videos, the message is clear to any new person joining the hobby: mechanical keyboards are all about the sound. Thock this, clack that. Whether it’s keyboards, keycaps, or even singular switches, seemingly everyone new to the hobby meticulously pores over each component of their keyboard not in an attempt to figure out how it will feel in hand, but how it will sound as they’re furiously grinding their way out from...
Mar 27, 2024
I went with clears out of curiosity and I think it's going to take some getting used to coming from using a varmilo 87 with browns. They are a lot stiffer than I expected but I'm going to stick with it for a bit. I'm okay with the main keys but for whatever reason the backspace just feel *too* stiff. I've but o-rings on the keys already to help with sound and travel distance as well.
My main issue now is that he board is a lot thicker than my previous board and my palm rest feels too short when using this board. I'm currently using a book that's about an inch think and it is a lot more comfortable. Does anyone have any recommendation for palm rests that come that thick? Preferably a solid wood rest as I find them easiest to clean and maintain.
Clears are some of the only MX switches I enjoy, but stiffness takes some getting used to. O-rings are a must for me as well. My FC660C is also quite tall but just by the nature of how I type I don't really find wrist rests helpful, so I have no good wrist rest recommendations.
Just thought I'd say hi. :)
Both my computer's now have Varmilo TKLs with browns so I'm set for the time being. My next build will be a custom 70% board with ergo whites, just for the fun of building and customizing it. Maybe something portable to take to class when I teach.
If you think greens are heavy you'd probably hate my board ;)
My KB is Topre and I've got aftermarket domes installed to give it a really heavy tactile bump right at the start of the keystroke. I think its feels incredible because I type fairly hard and it just goes with my style, I guess. It's a very unique feel, but definitely not for everyone.